Boris Vallejo Fantasy Art Techniques

Boris Vallejo's renderings of the human figure are unmistakeable. The way he uses paint to depict a 3-dimensional form on a 2-dimensional surface is amazing. The work is so life-like. (And in many cases, erotic.)I liked reading about Vallejo's humble beginnings, where we see samples of his early, unpublished work. It was also a relief to know that even this master of the figure uses photographs. Contrary to many student's belief, it is not "cheating". To make his point, Vallejo is convinced that if the Old Masters had had access to photography, they would certainly have preferred to use that rather than rely on a model who gets bored, tired, etc. Vallejo uses both the model and the photograph.In addition to advice about colour, tone, light, and how to "see", we are also taken through some step-by-step paintings, to show how the image is gradually built. Advice about portfolios comes at the end.I have a board game called "Hero Quest", a sword-and-sorcery type adventure. The painting on the box looks like it was done by Vallejo, but I couldn't find his signiature. The colours and brushwork looked like his. The main figure was a Conan-type character swinging his sword. If you read Vallejo's "Fantasy Art Techniques" there is a good chance you will also paint like this eventually.

Though a good book as far as teaching technique in fantasy art, it is an even better gallery of his earlier works. Presented are many of his seminal paintings, each one a testament to Vallejo's artistic talent. Vallejo's care and artistry in rendering the realistic human figure is unparalleled, and this could be used as not only a pure art book, but also as an art anatomy tome. Little about the human body escapes Vallejo's artist's eye, and his figures are well-muscled, fierce, yet human and supple. The varied amounts of light, shading, color, composition and creativity in this book is astounding and worthy of any collection of fantasy art. Those interested in Vallejo's art should look into his most recent collection, Dreams, as well. In closing, this book is a good teaching tool to those who are in a more advanced skill level, but also good for beginners looking for how to view poses, composition, color, and basic anatomy. Enjoy!

This is a fascinating look at how Boris Vallejo produces his amazing paintings. Not only does it take the reader step-by-step through Boris' creation process, it is full of beautiful, full-color prints of some of his most fabulous and famous paintings. A must for any Boris Vallejo fan, or for anyone interested in the process of creating fantasy art. The forward by the late Dr. Isaac Asimov makes this volume even more priceless. This is a book anyone interested in art and beauty will be proud to own.

Boris Vallejo has become something of an icon among fantasy artists throughout the world. He paints the human figure in such a way as to make it almost photographic, yet adds a touch of the fantastic to his art that makes it even better. Now he has put out a book that goes even further; because instead of putting out a series of paintings for us to ooh and ahh over, he gives the average joe an opportunity to learn to emulate the master himself. I bought this book for myself, and as an art major in college, I have found that this book really shows how hard work and perseverance pay off in beautiful works of art that we can all aspire to create for ourselves. It's not just simple paint by the numbers either, he really digs down into the basis of his painting and even gives advice for beyond the pallette, such as creating a portfolio. If you want to paint landscapes and flowers and bridges and seagulls this is not the book for you. However, if you want to put the fantastic visions of your mind onto canvas, BUY THIS BOOK. You'll thank me for it, you really will.